Pilgrim Haven could be in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest tenure of a “temporary” employee.

The cutting-edge Masterpiece Living program is the latest means by which ABHOW communities are strengthening their whole-person approach to successful aging. It’s based on MacArthur Foundation research that shows how daily lifestyle choices — physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual — can make aging a time of growth rather than decline.

Ruth Buneman, 78, has finished another long hike, this one a seven-mile trek through the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, located west of Skyline Boulevard. How does the Pilgrim Haven resident feel? A one-word reply will suffice, and not because Buneman’s out of breath. “Elated,” she says.

Karen Jenney never set out to work in a retirement community, much less be the executive director of one. But her calm and consistent leadership of Pilgrim Haven has earned her the respect of employees, residents, and all of ABHOW. This month the corporation named Jenney Executive Director of the Year.

No matter how young or old you are, one thing is certain about us all: we never stop wishing.